波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin J. Walsh)為實踐在住宅計畫上的承諾，昨（廿二）日簽署一項條例，為居所轉變成共管公寓的租戶提供加倍保障。
馬丁華殊表示，他很高興和波士頓市議會，以及市議員查金（Josh Zakim）合作，為受到共管公寓轉型影響的租戶，提供加倍補償金。
該條例大幅度更新了租戶所受的保護，讓因為共管公寓轉型而失去住所的低收入，耆英，或殘障租戶，可以獲得六千元到一萬元的搬遷補償。這筆搬遷補償費用，已有十年未調整過。
由於波士頓的中位租金目前十分高昂，這筆補償費將可幫助受影響租戶因應繳交第一個月，最後一個月，以及保證金的承租要求，更容易搬進一個他們能負擔得起的地方住，
在加倍撥給搬遷補償費之外，該條例還未租戶提供通知時限，租金上漲限度，購買權，搬遷援助等其他保障。
在通知時限上，業主應在一年以前，通知租戶終止租約。若是耆英，低收入或殘障承租者，必須在五年以前發給通知。
在一至五年的終止租約時間內，租金的每年漲幅，不可超過消費者指數，或10%。
租戶可享有業主提供給一般大眾的購買條件，或更優惠的條件。
房東必須幫助耆英，低收入或殘障租戶搬遷至相似的替代住宅中。
因為共管公寓轉型，相信自己有流離失所危險的租戶，可洽波士頓出租住宅中心（Boston
Rental Housing Center），617-635-4200，或電郵rentalhousing@boston.gov。
Mayor Walsh Signs Ordinance Extending Tenant Protections
Ordinance helps tenants facing displacement through condominium conversions
BOSTON — Delivering on a commitment of the Walsh Administration’s housing plan, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that he has signed an ordinance, offered in the City Council by Councilor Josh Zakim, which doubles the amount of compensation offered to tenants when their units become converted into condominiums.
“In order to ensure that every Bostonian is able to find safe, affordable housing, we in City government must do everything in our power to support tenants when they are at risk,” Mayor Walsh said. “I’m proud we were able to work with Councilor Zakim and his colleagues in the City Council to ensure that tenants whose units become condominiums are compensated with enough funding to help them find new housing.”
The ordinance updates tenant protections significantly, doubling the amount of relocation compensation offered to tenants when they are displaced by a condo conversion. Displaced tenants must now be provided a relocation stipend of $6,000 or $10,000 if they are low income, elderly or disabled. The amount of these relocation benefits had not been adjusted in 10 years. With current high median rents in Boston, the funds will enable displaced tenants to better secure comparable rental housing and afford move in costs -- for example, first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and security deposit. These increased stipends will provide additional protection for low- to moderate-income renters, the elderly and tenants with disabilities.
The increasing cost of real estate and the lack of affordable housing is a serious issue for many residents across the City of Boston,” Councilor Zakim said. “This ordinance is a critical step in protecting long term tenants, especially those most vulnerable. I am thankful to my colleagues on the City Council and to Mayor Walsh for their support in ensuring that no Bostonians are unexpectedly left without housing and adequate resources.”
In addition to doubling the amount of relocation compensation, the Ordinance also provides other tenant protections, including:
- Notice Requirement: All tenants receive one year of notice prior to termination of tenancy. Elderly, low-income or handicapped tenants receive 5 years notice.
- Rent Increases Limited: During the one- or five-year notice period, annual rent increases cannot exceed the lower of 10 percent or the Consumer Price Index.
- Right to Purchase: The tenant has the right to purchase the unit on the same or more favorable terms as being offered to the general public.
- Relocation Assistance: The landlord is required to provide assistance in locating comparable replacement housing to elderly, low-income or handicapped tenants.
Tenants who believe they are at risk of displacement through a condominium conversion should contact the Boston Rental Housing Center, at 617-635-4200, or email rentalhousing@boston.gov.
